Breastfeeding | My Essentials Third Time Round

I’m no newbie to the breastfeeding scene but that doesn’t mean I’m some kind of pro either. All three of my breastfeeding experiences have been different but one thing they’ve all had in common is that they’ve all been a big learning curve. Having managed to successfully breastfeed three times, I think I have a pretty good idea about what kind of products work and what ones are gimmicks that you can do without. This time round I’ve used everything I’ve learned and invested in, what I believe, are the essential products when it comes to breastfeeding – and they’re pretty much all Lansinoh.

Breast Pads

It goes without saying that, until your supply has established and you’re quite comfortable with your flow, you’ll need breast pads. There are so many on the market it’s best to find ones that work well for you. Lansinoh breast pads come out on top for me every time. They have two sticky pads on the back (which is so much better than the usual one), are super absorbent and are so comfortable you’ll not know they’re even down your bra.

There are 60 individual pads in a box and, while they’re a little more expensive than others available, they’re far superior and are absolutely worth the extra money. You can pick them up in most supermarkets and places like Boots and Mothercare, but you can also grab a box on Amazon.

Breastfeeding Bras

I can’t convey enough how important it is to have the right bra when breastfeeding. Firstly, invest in a good soft bra for the first couple of weeks and overnight. This ballet bra from Bravado was exceptional during pregnancy and during the first few days of breastfeeding. Something that’s easy to pull to the side, pull down and doesn’t cup your breasts tightly is desirable.

I would highly recommend getting measured after your milk has come in and you’re not engorged before investing in any moulded or shaped bras with proper cup sizes. Again, I have to champion Bravado here as their Buttercup Nursing bra has been a staple – so much so that I have it in all three colours!

Either way you’ll need something soft with little support for night time, slobbing around in the newborn haze and for pure comfort and ease as well as something a little more fitted and supportive.

Nipple Cream

Breastfeeding is tough on the nipples. Really tough! It’s so important to take care of them because it can be a bit of a downhill spiral if they start getting too sore.

When breastfeeding, your nipples shouldn’t be sore; it shouldn’t hurt and if it does, I’d highly recommend seeking advice on baby’s latch. If they do crack, start bleeding or are uncomfortable then the best cream you could ever use on them is Lansinoh’s HPA Lanolin.

This purple tube of absolute magic has salvaged many a sore nipple and it’s incredibly versatile too. I’ve always had some left over from feeding all three boys and I’ve found it works really well as a lip balm and a nappy cream as well as good for blending make up. Yep, it’s THAT good! A moment on the nips, a lifetime on the lips. INVEST!

Breast Pump*

I’ve tried quite a few breast pumps in my time and, by far, the one that’s been most effective for me is the new Lansinoh Compact pump.

Having two older children this time it’s essential that I try and make breastfeeding as flexible as possible without constantly having a baby attached to the boob – which is actually a lot tougher than it sounds. But, it is being made easier having a compact, pack-a-punch pump that I can take with me wherever I go.

It’s super lightweight and can be powered by mains or by a micro USB power adapter plugged into a power bank.

It’s a hospital grade pump with 5 levels of adjustable suction and rhythm, mimicking the way a baby naturally feeds to maximise milk production, which is working really well for me this time. Previously the maximum amount I produced using other pumps, which was a total one off, was 5oz. This time I can regularly pump 6oz no problem.

There are minimal parts, it has LED back lights to indicate suction level and the size and comfort of the cone that fits on the breast is brilliant.

The only thing that lets this pump down is the fact that it doesn’t come with a case. For something that’s designed to be portable and small enough to carry in your bag, I would have liked to have seen some kind of storage to keep it all sterile and free from whatever’s floating at the bottom of the bag.

Breastmilk Storage Bags

Leading on from the pump, I’ve actually been pumping directly into storage bags when I’m at home – something I didn’t know was even possible until last week! I’d been pumping directly into bottles and then transferring whenever I could.

With having a Lansinoh pump, and with receiving samples from places such as Bounty and Emma’s Diary, it seemed only fitting to use Lansinoh storage bags. These fit perfectly on the pump and can then be double sealed once filled with milk.

Therapearls

An absolute saviour when trying to get through summer when you’re heavily pregnant, but also perfect for helping with sore boobs!

I’ve been close to getting struck down with mastitis twice during this particular bout of breastfeeding and we’re just shy of 8 weeks in. That horrible achey, fluey pain started to take over and my boobs were hot, tender and painful.

Using these hot and cold therapy pads goes a long way when it comes to providing relief. Whether it’s because you’re engorged, have a blocked milk duct or whether you feel like mastitis is about to set in these are essential in helping relieve all of the above.

They’re reusable, come with covers and you can use them hot or cold depending on what you want to achieve. They’re super cheap too.

Phone Apps

To get you through the night feeds. Seriously, you’ll need something to keep you awake. Some people choose to read a book but I know it wouldn’t sink in and I’d end up having to re-read it the next day. Other people choose to snooze while baby feeds but I’m a bit too scared to do that so I rely heavily on Bubble Witch and Instagram.

I’ll probably use up all my lives on Bubble Witch before heading over to the ‘gram to watch a few stories and do a bit of liking and commenting. It’s not for everyone but it saves the bank balance from being depleted because I think if I went ‘midnight breastfeeding shopping’ I’d be a very, very poor woman.

Without a doubt these are my breastfeeding bread and butter products and I don’t think anyone should be without them. They’ve all played their part, and will continue to do so, during this particular breastfeeding journey.

*I received this product in return for this feature. All views and opinions are my own.
**This post contains affiliate links.

1 Comment

Well done on successfully feeding three little people, they are all so different, each time, but I have to agree my favourite products have been of the purple variety, right from my first baby 20 years ago, and that cream has been given to many mums, they all refer to it as the special magic cream in the purple tube!